Croatia is known for its rich culinary traditions, and one dish that stands out is Croatian Zagorski Štrukli Soup. Our travels have taken us through the beautiful landscapes of Croatia, where we’ve had the pleasure of tasting this comforting soup filled with delicious cheese dumplings.
This recipe combines the warmth of homemade soup with the delightful textures of creamy cheese-filled pasta, making it a perfect meal for any occasion.
As we explored local markets and shared stories with local cooks, we discovered that Zagorski Štrukli is more than just food; it’s a part of Croatian culture.
We’ve gathered insights and flavors to help you recreate this dish in your own kitchen. Join us as we walk you through every step of making this delightful soup, from preparing the dough to cooking the dumplings, ensuring that you get the authentic Croatian experience at home.
We know you’ll love this recipe as much as we do. So grab your apron, and let’s bring a taste of Croatia into our homes!
About Us
We are John and Laurel Rodgers, an American couple passionate about exploring the world through food. Our travels take us to various countries, where we love to learn about local cuisines.
We collect recipes from restaurants, attend cooking classes, and connect with chefs. Each recipe we share reflects the culture and traditions of the places we visit.
Our journey is not just about cooking; we also believe in wildlife preservation. We support efforts to protect the environment and educate others about sustainable practices.
You can find more about us and our adventures at our website. Join us as we continue to explore and share delicious recipes like Croatian Zagorski Štrukli Soup!
Why You’ll Love This Croatian Zagorski Štrukli Soup Recipe
We believe that trying the Croatian Zagorski Štrukli soup offers a unique dining experience that transports you straight to Eastern Europe.
Made with soft dumplings filled with cheese, this dish is both comforting and satisfying.
The flavors are simple yet incredible. The creamy soup pairs perfectly with the light, fluffy dumplings. It’s a dish that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day.
When we think of Zagreb, this soup brings back memories of cozy restaurants and friendly locals. Each bite captures the authentic experience of Croatian cuisine.
Zagorski Štrukli is versatile. You can enjoy it in many ways—baked or served in soup. This allows you to customize your meal based on your cravings.
If you’re in Istria, Hvar, or Pula, tasting this dish is a must. Even Vis has its influence on variations of this classic recipe.
Here’s why it stands out:
- Comforting Texture: The dumplings are pillow-like and soft.
- Rich Flavor: The cheese filling blends beautifully with the broth.
- Cultural Connection: It reflects the heart of Croatian traditions.
What Makes This Recipe Special
Croatian Zagorski Štrukli Soup is a delightful dish that showcases the rich flavors of Croatian cuisine. We love how its creamy texture and savory notes come together to create a comforting meal.
Key Features
- Fresh Ingredients: The use of local cheese and fresh herbs makes this soup truly special.
- Rich Cultural Heritage: Each bite tells a story of Croatian traditions, especially from regions like Rijeka and Karlovac.
Unique Experience
This dish is not just a recipe; it’s a culinary journey through Croatia. Enjoying Zagorski Štrukli Soup gives us a taste of the Mediterranean influence found in other coastal regions, such as Dubrovnik and Split.
Seasonal Delights
Like many Croatian dishes, this soup shines during summer festivals. We enjoy pairing it with a good local wine from the Kvarner Gulf or Dalmatia to complement its flavors.
Outdoor Adventures
After a hearty serving of this soup, we feel energized for outdoor activities, whether it’s hiking in Plitvice Lakes National Park or exploring the charming streets of Bjelovar and Osijek.
With every spoonful, we experience the warmth of Mediterranean hospitality and the unique tastes of Croatian tradition.
Cooking Equipment Needed
To make Croatian Zagorski Štrukli Soup, we need some essential kitchen tools. Having the right equipment makes the cooking process smoother and more enjoyable.
Here’s what we’ll use:
- Mixing Bowl: For combining ingredients like flour and eggs. A large bowl makes mixing easier.
- Rolling Pin: This helps us roll out the dough to the right thickness.
- Cutting Board: A sturdy board is great for cutting dough and shaping the dumplings.
- Knife or Dough Cutter: We can use a sharp knife or a dough cutter to portion the rolled dough into pieces.
- Pot: A large pot is necessary for cooking the dumplings and making the soup.
- Ladle: We’ll need a ladle to serve the soup and dumplings once they are ready.
- Serving Bowls: These are perfect for serving the soup to our guests.
Optional Tools
- Colander: If we want to drain any excess liquid, a colander can come in handy.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements help us to replicate the recipe perfectly.
Having these tools ready will help us create a delicious Croatian Zagorski Štrukli Soup that everyone can enjoy!
Cooking Instructions
To make Croatian Zagorski Štrukli soup, we’ll follow these steps:
- Prepare the Dough:
In a large bowl, combine flour and salt. Add an egg, oil, and vinegar. Gradually mix in warm water until the dough is smooth. - Make the Filling:
In another bowl, mix cottage cheese, salt, and pepper. Optionally, add herbs for extra flavor. - Roll and Shape:
Roll out the dough on a floured surface until it’s thin. Cut it into rectangles. Place a small amount of filling in the center of each rectangle. - Seal the Dumplings:
Fold the dough over the filling and pinch the edges to seal them tightly. This keeps the filling from escaping while cooking. - Prepare the Soup Base:
Heat a pot of water or broth. Add diced vegetables like carrots and celery for flavor. - Cook the Dumplings:
Gently place the dumplings into the boiling soup. Cook for about 15 minutes, or until they float to the top. - Serve and Enjoy:
Ladle the soup into bowls. We can garnish with fresh herbs if desired. This dish pairs well with fish soup for added depth.
Enjoy this wonderful Croatian dish with friends and family!
Cooking Tips
When we make Croatian Zagorski Štrukli Soup, we like to keep a few things in mind to ensure the best results.
Choose the Right Cheese
Using fresh cottage cheese is key. It gives the dumplings their creamy texture.
Soft cheese blends well, and we often combine it with ricotta for added richness.
Dough Consistency
Our dough should be soft but not sticky. We find that adding just the right amount of flour helps.
Start with a little and adjust as needed while mixing.
Herbs and Spices
Adding herbs elevates the flavor. We often use fresh parsley or chives as a topping.
A pinch of black pepper or a sprinkle of nutmeg enhances the cheese filling.
Cooking Time
Dumplings cook quickly. Keep an eye on them; about 5-7 minutes in boiling water usually does the trick.
Overcooking can make them mushy, so we prefer to test them just before we think they’re done.
Serving Suggestions
We love serving the soup hot, garnished with fresh herbs. A drizzle of olive oil on top adds a nice finishing touch.
Pairing it with crusty bread makes it even better.
Experiment!
Feel free to adjust the recipe to your taste. Adding a bit of sautéed garlic or onion can add depth to the soup.
We’re always trying new ideas and enjoying the process!
Ingredients Needed for the Croatian Zagorski Štrukli Soup Recipe
For the dough
Pastry flour
Pinch of salt
Warm milk
Oil
Egg
White vinegar
For the filling
Fresh Cheese
Sour cream
Eggs
Pinch of salt
For the soup
Water
Oil
Salt
Vegeta
Toasted breadcrumbs (optional)
Instructions For Preparing the Croatian Zagorski Štrukli Soup Recipe
Prepare the Dough
In a large bowl, mix flour, salt, milk, oil, egg, and vinegar until combined. Knead on a lightly floured surface until soft, then cover with a damp tea towel and let rest for 30 minutes.
Make the Filling & Assemble
Mix cheese, sour cream, eggs, and salt in a bowl. Roll out the rested dough, stretching it gently with the backs of your hands until about 1/16 inch thick. Spread the filling evenly, then roll the dough jelly-roll style. Press at intervals to create small pillows, then cut at the indentations.
Cook the Štrukli in Soup
In a medium pot, bring water to a boil with oil, salt, and Vegeta (or vegetable bouillon powder). Alternatively, use pre-made vegetable stock. Add the cut štrukli and cook for about 10 minutes. Garnish with toasted breadcrumbs if desired, and serve warm.
FAQs For the Croatian Zagorski Štrukli Soup Recipe
Question: What is the Croatian Zagorski Štrukli Soup Recipe?
A: The Croatian Zagorski Štrukli Soup recipe is a traditional dish from the Zagorje region of Croatia. It consists of delicate dough parcels filled with cottage cheese, served in a flavorful broth, making it a comforting and rich soup.
Question: How do you prepare the dough for the Croatian Zagorski Štrukli Soup Recipe?
A: The dough for the Croatian Zagorski Štrukli Soup recipe is made from flour, eggs, water, and a pinch of salt. It is rolled thin, filled with a cheese mixture, and then carefully shaped into dumplings before being cooked in broth.
Question: What makes the Croatian Zagorski Štrukli Soup Recipe unique?
A: The Croatian Zagorski Štrukli Soup recipe is unique because of its delicate cheese-filled dumplings that are simmered in a rich, savory broth. This combination of flavors and textures creates a distinctive dish deeply rooted in Croatian culinary traditions.
Question: Can I use store-bought dough for the Croatian Zagorski Štrukli Soup Recipe?
A: Yes, you can use store-bought dough for the Croatian Zagorski Štrukli Soup recipe, but homemade dough provides the best texture and taste. If using store-bought dough, make sure it is thin enough to achieve the traditional Štrukli texture.
Question: How long does it take to cook the Croatian Zagorski Štrukli Soup Recipe?
A: The Croatian Zagorski Štrukli Soup recipe takes about 45 minutes to an hour to prepare and cook. This includes making the dough, preparing the filling, assembling the dumplings, and simmering them in the broth.
Croatian Zagorski Štrukli Soup Recipe
Ingredients
For the dough
- 4 cups pastry flour
- Pinch salt
- 1 ½ cups milk warm
- 1/2 cup oil
- 1 egg
- 1 Tablespoon white vinegar
For the filling
- 1 lb cheese fresh ricotta or goat cheese are good options
- 1 6 oz sour cream container
- 2 eggs
- Pinch salt
For the soup
- 4 ¼ cups water
- 1 Tablespoon oil
- Pinch salt
- Pinch Vegeta or bouillon powder
- breadcrumbs Toasted optional
Instructions
Prepare the Dough
- In a large bowl, mix flour, salt, milk, oil, egg, and vinegar until combined. Knead on a lightly floured surface until soft, then cover with a damp tea towel and let rest for 30 minutes.
Make the Filling & Assemble
- Mix cheese, sour cream, eggs, and salt in a bowl. Roll out the rested dough, stretching it gently with the backs of your hands until about 1/16 inch thick. Spread the filling evenly, then roll the dough jelly-roll style. Press at intervals to create small pillows, then cut at the indentations.
Cook the Štrukli in Soup
- In a medium pot, bring water to a boil with oil, salt, and Vegeta (or vegetable bouillon powder). Alternatively, use pre-made vegetable stock. Add the cut štrukli and cook for about 10 minutes. Garnish with toasted breadcrumbs if desired, and serve warm.
2 comments
These cheese-filled dumplings were so soft and flavorful, floating in a rich, buttery broth. It was creamy, comforting, and absolutely satisfying. My guests loved the balance of flavors and textures—light yet indulgent. This will be a go-to soup for cozy nights!
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